Taraji P. Henson: 'I don't think I've made it'

Taraji P. Henson doesn't really know what "making it" feels like.

The 46-year-old actress has enjoyed huge success through her role as Cookie Lyon in U.S. TV show Empire. While she's taken home gongs including a Golden Globe award and BET award for the part, Taraji told America's Marie Claire magazine that she has yet to fully come to terms with her accomplishments.

Taraji was speaking as she completed the magazine's 29-question quiz, while promoting her book Around The Way Girl: A Memoir.

Among the questions Taraji was asked to consider was, what was her most agonising career choice, to which the actress replied: "Going back to television and taking the part of Cookie. I was so afraid people would hate her."

The actress' love of her art was clear to see in the interview, as she admitted: "I would act for free but, please, do not tell the studios or networks."

And asked what she thinks her career will look like in five years' time, Taraji replied: "I still want to be making art that moves audiences."

She is also keen to see "more women in charge" in her industry, "not just behind the camera, but actually as studio heads making the real decisions. You go, Dana Walden (chairman/CEO of Fox Television Group)!"

While her professional life is going from strength to strength, Taraji is currently believed to be single. When she was asked what qualities she previously thought she wanted in a partner, she replied, "Tall, dark, and handsome", before she was asked about the three qualities she knows now matter, replying: "A sense of humour, kindness to everyone, and honesty."